Museum blog

Exotic animals have a long history in Britain. The Royal menagerie at the Tower of London was probably created in 1204 (during the reign of King John). There was an aviary at Greenwich Palace constructed for Queen Anne, which probably included both native and exotic birds, and there were other Royal menageries at Windsor, Richmond Lodge and Kew. 

Discover the story of Cutty Sark's magnificent gilding

The ship's wheel is one of the most recognisable parts of Cutty Sark, and is also one of the most photographed items on board. But its popularity can also be its downfall.

An intriguing item in the Caird Library rare book collection: ‘The Mariners' Marvellous Magazine : or wonders of the ocean : containing the most remarkable adventures and relations of mariners in various parts of the globe’ was begging to be introduced.   

Performer and writer Christopher Green is bringing his unique approach to a new interpretation of Elizabeth I inspired by the Armada Portrait in the Queen’s House. Working with a team of expert costume designers and makers led by Bronya Arciszewska and Oliver Cronk, Christopher will explore how the most magnificent image of Tudor royalty is assembled layer by layer. What does it mean to be an icon? And how do you construct one?

Heavily contested at the time of its creation, crafted in secrecy and rebellion, the text of this document is now well known the world over.

The lead paint on this figurehead was once as white as a polar bear's fur. Helen Robertson applied a technique from paper conservation to lighten this 3D object.